Random Name Generator
Generate random names for characters, test data and creative projects.
How to use: Choose how many names and a style, then press Generate to get a fresh list.
How to use the Random Name Generator
Finding a believable name is a surprisingly common problem. Authors need characters, game masters need non-player characters, teachers need example students, and developers need realistic names for test data.
Choose how many names you want, then pick a style for the first names: feminine, masculine, gender-neutral or any mix. Optional settings add a middle initial or remove the surname, so you can also use the tool for first-name ideas. Press Generate and a numbered list appears; press Copy to move the whole list to your clipboard.
Names are assembled at random from lists of several hundred common first names and surnames from many cultures. Because each name is a random pairing, the results are fictional and any resemblance to a real person is coincidental. The list is not tied to any database of real people.
When writing fiction, consider the setting and era, since popular names change over the decades. For software testing, remember to include names with apostrophes, hyphens and accents to catch bugs, and never use realistic data to impersonate people. If you need decision help rather than names, try the random picker. Names are generated in your browser and not saved anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Are these real people?
No. First and last names are paired at random, so results are fictional.
Can I use the names in my story or game?
Yes. Common names cannot be owned, so you are free to use them in creative and testing projects.
Why do I sometimes get repeats?
Names are picked independently, so the same name can occasionally appear twice when generating long lists.